Investigating the role of a protein in HIV-related nerve pain
Official title: HIV Tat-associated Sensory Neuropathy and the Contribution of Toll-like Receptor Pathway
Funded at University of New England · NIH-10931609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein from the HIV virus might cause nerve pain in people with HIV, and it's for anyone who has experienced this painful condition, as the researchers hope to find better ways to help manage it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $355,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132674-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are experiencing sensory neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those without symptoms of sensory neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding HIV sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN), a common and painful neurological complication affecting many individuals with HIV/AIDS. The study aims to explore how the HIV Tat protein influences nerve pain through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. By examining both infected and non-infected cells, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that contribute to this condition, which is often under-diagnosed and lacks effective treatments. The approach includes using animal models to gain insights that could lead to better management of HIV-SN in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for managing nerve pain in HIV/AIDS patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited human research on this specific topic, animal studies have shown promising results regarding the role of the Tat protein in HIV-related nerve pain.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Ling — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Cao, Ling
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.